What is WADOG and how does it work?
WADOG connects your existing WhatsApp number to MedicalGrow by scanning a QR code; how it works, how it differs from the official API, and the risks.
4 min read
WADOG connects the WhatsApp number your clinic already uses to the MedicalGrow panel by scanning a QR code. The number keeps working on your phone; the panel is added as a "linked device", just like WhatsApp Web. Patient messages land in Conversations, your team replies from the panel, and the reply reaches the patient from the same WhatsApp number.
This section is for clinic teams who use WADOG every day: connecting numbers, assigning numbers to the team, auto-replies, the message builder and troubleshooting.
How it works
- Incoming messages: A patient writes to your number on WhatsApp → the message appears in Conversations together with the patient's contact record. If the patient is not saved yet, a contact is created automatically (you can switch this off in the number settings).
- Outgoing messages: A reply you type in Conversations is queued by WADOG and sent on WhatsApp after a short, random pause with a "typing…" indicator.
- Phone sync: Messages you type directly in WhatsApp on the phone are also added to the conversation in the panel within a few seconds.
- Statuses: Delivered and read receipts show in the panel; a message to a number that does not use WhatsApp is marked as failed.
The WADOG panel opens inside MedicalGrow. Our team adds the link to your left menu during setup; depending on your account it is called WADOG or WhatsApp. The WADOG screens currently come with a Turkish interface, so in this guide we give each Turkish label followed by an English translation — for example Numaralar (Numbers).
Compared with the official WhatsApp Business API
You can connect WhatsApp to MedicalGrow in two ways. Use this table to decide which one suits you:
| WADOG (QR connection) | Official WhatsApp Business API | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Minutes; scanning a QR code is enough | Meta business account, verification, display name approval |
| Number | Your existing WhatsApp / WhatsApp Business number; you keep using it on the phone | A number registered to the API (except with the Coexistence method) |
| Chat history | Messages after connecting appear in the panel | Depends on the method |
| 24-hour rule and template approval | None | Yes; outside the window only approved templates |
| Groups and calls | Group messages and incoming call notices can be shown in the panel | Not supported |
| Terms of service | WhatsApp's unofficial Web method; not in line with WhatsApp's terms | Meta's official, approved infrastructure |
| Risk of the number being restricted | Yes. WhatsApp may restrict the number temporarily or permanently | No risk from the tool itself; you still have to follow the rules |
| Bulk / marketing messages | Not recommended | Suitable with approved templates |
For details on the official API see Connect the WhatsApp Business API.
Who is it for?
WADOG is a good choice when:
- Patients already know your number and you don't want to change it.
- Each patient coordinator writes from their own WhatsApp line and you want those chats in one panel.
- Your messaging is mainly one-to-one conversations started by the patient: price questions, asking for photos or X-rays, planning consultations and transfers.
- You want to see the WhatsApp groups you run with drivers, hotels and doctors in the panel.
Choose the official API when:
- Ads bring in many new patients every day and an interruption to the number would stop your business.
- You will send bulk or marketing messages such as campaigns, reminders or announcements.
- You want a verified display name, template messages and a Meta-approved channel.
You can also use both: for example, your main ad line on the official API and coordinators' personal lines on WADOG.
The risks — plainly
WADOG works with the unofficial method WhatsApp Web uses. This is not in line with WhatsApp's terms of service, and there is always a risk that the number gets restricted. The risk rises with bulk messages to people who don't know you, starting many new chats in a short time, and being blocked or reported often.
Heads up
Getting a restricted number back is not in your hands or ours. Do not send bulk or cold messages from the main business number patients keep writing to. For safe use, see Bulk sending and number safety.
Button and list messages are also experimental with this method and may not display on every phone. See Message builder.
Permissions
WADOG has two roles:
- Alt hesap yöneticisi (account admin): sees every menu — numbers, users, teams, WA groups, auto-replies, settings and API.
- Kullanıcı (user): sees the home page, numbers, message builder, message history, troubleshooting and useful links. A number added by a user automatically becomes private to that user.
Common issues
I can't see the WADOG link in the left menu. The link is added to your account during setup. If it's missing, message our support team on WhatsApp.
Will my old WhatsApp chats appear in the panel? No. The panel records messages sent and received after the connection is made.
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